AEM releases new CAN bus dash with datalogging and more

Aftermarket manufacturer AEM Performance Electronics introduced a new CAN-based digital dash, the CD-7, at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas. The new dash can accept two CAN bus channels that can readily accept AEM engine-management controls and also accept third-party systems.

The entire seven-inch display operates seven pages of information and displays that are configurable, including an alarm page that be programmed to display when certain conditions are met like low oil pressure or high temperatures. These alarms can also be programmed with specific text to describe the problem in clear language. The dash also includes four pages of viewing channels that can be toggled on the dash’s face or with remotely mounted buttons on, for example, the steering wheel.

The seven-inch display features a bright, high-contrast color display that should be sunlight-visible, but the CD-7 also comes with a shade hood and glare diffuser to ensure visibility at all times. The top of the display includes a seven-LED tachometer that can be programmed both in terms of intervals and shift indication.

Among the options on the new AEM dash are datalogging and a Vehicle Dynamic Module (VDM) with a three-axis gyrometer. The datalogging option includes the ability to record 200 megabytes of information, roughly 24 hours, at up to 100 Hz per channel with the ability to record up to 800 channels (though limited by the number of CAN channels input). The VDM uses GPS to allow real-time functions like speedometer and lap times, including splits and predictive lap timing. The three-axis data recording allows data overlay for coaching and tuning purposes.

AEM will offer four options packages of the CD-7. The base CD-7 with no data logging or VDM lists at $1,443 with datalogging listing at $1,887. Adding VDM without datalogging runs $1,776 while ticking all the options brings the list price to $2,221.